Call for Proposals: Mali Cooperation Programme 2027–2031

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is accepting applications to support the implementation of the Mali–UNFPA Cooperation Programme 2027–2031 in the Gao Region of Mali. The programme supports organisations working on sexual and reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, gender-based violence prevention, women’s empowerment, youth participation, disability inclusion, emergency response, and population data systems.

About the UNFPA Mali Cooperation Programme 2027–2031

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has launched a funding opportunity to support partners implementing activities under the Mali–UNFPA Cooperation Programme for 2027–2031.

The programme focuses on improving health, protection, inclusion, and social development outcomes for women, adolescents, young people, and vulnerable communities in the Gao Region.

The initiative promotes integrated, rights-based, and high-quality services that respond to humanitarian and development challenges.

Programme Objectives

The UNFPA Mali Cooperation Programme aims to:

• Improve access to essential health services.
• Strengthen sexual and reproductive health systems.
• Support women’s empowerment.
• Protect vulnerable populations.
• Prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
• Increase youth participation and leadership.
• Improve disability inclusion.
• Strengthen emergency response systems.
• Improve population data collection and analysis.
• Support evidence-based policy development.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports initiatives in several priority areas.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

The programme focuses on improving access to:

• Quality reproductive health services.
• Sexual and reproductive health information.
• Family planning services.
• Adolescent sexual and reproductive health support.
• Rights-based healthcare services.

Special attention is given to young people and persons with disabilities in humanitarian settings.

Maternal and Newborn Health

Supported activities include:

• Maternal healthcare services.
• Newborn health support.
• Emergency obstetric care.
• Improved healthcare access for pregnant women.
• Strengthening health systems in vulnerable areas.

The goal is to reduce preventable maternal and newborn health risks.

Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

The programme supports initiatives that promote:

• Gender equality.
• Women’s rights.
• Economic empowerment.
• Social resilience.
• Leadership opportunities for women and girls.

Projects should contribute to creating safer and more inclusive communities.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response

The programme prioritizes actions addressing:

• Gender-based violence (GBV).
• Female genital mutilation (FGM).
• Child marriage.
• Protection services for survivors.
• Prevention awareness activities.
• Community-based responses.

Supported initiatives should strengthen systems for preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.

Youth Leadership and Participation

The programme supports young people through:

• Youth leadership initiatives.
• Youth engagement activities.
• Participation in decision-making.
• Adolescent-focused services.
• Skills development opportunities.

The aim is to increase meaningful youth participation in social development.

Disability Inclusion

The programme promotes inclusion by supporting:

• Access to services for persons with disabilities.
• Inclusive health and protection programmes.
• Participation of persons with disabilities in community initiatives.
• Removal of barriers affecting vulnerable groups.

Emergency Response and Humanitarian Support

The programme supports humanitarian interventions that strengthen:

• Emergency preparedness.
• Crisis response systems.
• Protection services.
• Access to essential healthcare during emergencies.

The focus is on reaching vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian challenges.

Research, Data Analysis, and Policy Advocacy

The programme also supports stronger information systems through:

• Population research.
• Demographic data collection.
• Data analysis.
• Population projections.
• Evidence-based planning.
• Policy advocacy.

High-quality data will support better decision-making and development planning.

Expected Programme Results

The programme aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Increased access to quality sexual and reproductive health services.
• Improved maternal and newborn healthcare services.
• Better support for adolescents and young people.
• Greater inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• Stronger systems for preventing gender-based violence.
• Reduced risks associated with harmful practices such as child marriage and FGM.
• Increased empowerment and resilience of women, girls, and youth.
• Improved demographic data systems.
• Better policy planning and evaluation.

Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is intended for organisations capable of supporting UNFPA programme objectives in Gao Region.

Potential applicants may include:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
• Civil society organisations.
• Community-based organisations.
• Organisations working in health, protection, gender equality, youth development, and humanitarian response.
• Institutions with relevant technical expertise.

Applicants should demonstrate experience in implementing programmes related to:

• Reproductive health.
• Gender equality.
• GBV prevention.
• Youth engagement.
• Disability inclusion.
• Research and data systems.
• Humanitarian response.

Why This Programme Matters

Communities affected by humanitarian challenges often face barriers to healthcare, protection, and social opportunities.

This programme helps address these challenges by:

• Supporting women’s health and rights.
• Protecting vulnerable groups.
• Improving healthcare access.
• Strengthening community resilience.
• Promoting gender equality.
• Supporting young people.
• Improving evidence-based decision-making.

The initiative contributes to sustainable development and rights-based approaches in Mali.

How the Programme Works

Selected organisations will support implementation through activities such as:

1. Delivering health and protection services.
2. Supporting women, adolescents, and youth programmes.
3. Strengthening community awareness and engagement.
4. Providing GBV prevention and survivor support.
5. Improving inclusion for persons with disabilities.
6. Collecting and analysing demographic information.
7. Supporting policy advocacy and planning.

Projects should align with UNFPA priorities and contribute to measurable programme outcomes.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Review programme objectives and focus areas.
2. Confirm organisational eligibility.
3. Prepare a project proposal aligned with UNFPA priorities.
4. Demonstrate technical experience and implementation capacity.
5. Provide relevant organisational information.
6. Submit the application according to UNFPA requirements.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Proposed activities.
• Target communities.
• Expected results.
• Implementation approach.
• Monitoring and evaluation methods.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate experience in similar programmes.
• Clearly connect activities with UNFPA priorities.
• Include measurable outcomes.
• Explain how vulnerable groups will be reached.
• Highlight partnerships and community engagement.
• Provide realistic implementation plans.
• Include strong monitoring and evaluation approaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals unrelated to programme priorities.
• Failing to address vulnerable populations.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Ignoring gender and inclusion considerations.
• Missing evidence of organisational experience.
• Proposing activities without measurable outcomes.
• Providing incomplete application information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the UNFPA Mali Cooperation Programme 2027–2031?

It is a UNFPA initiative supporting health, protection, gender equality, youth empowerment, and data systems in Mali, with a focus on the Gao Region.

What are the main focus areas of the programme?

The programme focuses on reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, gender-based violence prevention, women’s empowerment, youth participation, disability inclusion, emergency response, and demographic data systems.

Who can apply for this opportunity?

Organisations with relevant experience in health, protection, gender equality, humanitarian response, youth programmes, and research may apply.

What communities does the programme support?

The programme supports women, adolescents, young people, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities in humanitarian settings.

Does the programme support gender-based violence prevention?

Yes. The programme strengthens systems for preventing and responding to GBV, including female genital mutilation and child marriage.

Why is data collection included in the programme?

High-quality demographic data helps governments and organisations make informed decisions, plan services, and evaluate policies.

What type of projects are encouraged?

Projects that provide rights-based services, strengthen community systems, improve inclusion, and contribute to sustainable development outcomes are encouraged.

Conclusion

The UNFPA Mali Cooperation Programme 2027–2031 provides an important opportunity to strengthen health, protection, and social development systems in the Gao Region. By supporting reproductive health services, gender equality initiatives, youth participation, disability inclusion, humanitarian response, and evidence-based planning, the programme aims to improve the lives and resilience of women, girls, young people, and vulnerable communities in Mali.